Overview
This lecture provides historical context from the Neolithic Revolution to just before 1200 CE, focusing on the development of agriculture, civilizations, religions, and empires crucial for understanding AP World History.
The Neolithic (Agricultural) Revolution
- The Neolithic Revolution (c. 10,000 BCE) marked the transition from hunting-gathering to settled farming.
- Farming first emerged in Mesopotamia (Southwest Asia) but developed independently in multiple regions.
- Agriculture led to population growth and permanent settlements, typically near rivers.
- Major early river valley civilizations included Egypt (Nile), China (Yellow River), India (Indus), Mesoamerica, and Andes.
Rise of Cities and Civilizations
- Civilization means societies organized around cities and permanent structures.
- Early cities began roughly 6,000 years ago in Mesopotamia and the Nile Valley, featuring complex architecture like pyramids and ziggurats.
- Societies developed hierarchies based on class, enforced by leaders who made laws and collected taxes.
- The Code of Hammurabi (Mesopotamia) is an early example of a legal code defining social classes and punishments.
Writing, Literature, and Religion
- Writing systems arose for record-keeping (cuneiform in Mesopotamia, hieroglyphics in Egypt).
- Early literature included the Epic of Gilgamesh (Mesopotamia), Book of the Dead (Egypt), and Rigveda (India).
- Major religions emerged: Hinduism (polytheistic, from Indus Valley), Zoroastrianism (Persia), Judaism (Israel, monotheistic).
Formation and Spread of Empires and Religions
- Cities with common cultures or religions united into early empires; rulers often claimed divinity.
- Pastoralists (nomadic herders) promoted cultural exchange between civilizations.
- By 600 BCE, major religions (Judaism, Hinduism) began to spread, sometimes due to conquest or trade.
- Buddhism (from Hinduism) emerged in India, rejecting caste; Christianity emerged from Judaism, teaching faith over ritual.
Religious and Cultural Transformations
- Buddhism spread across Asia, developing new forms (Theravada, Mahayana).
- Christianity split into Roman Catholic (West) and Orthodox (East) traditions.
- Confucianism (China) focused on hierarchical roles and social harmony; Legalism enforced strict laws.
- Daoism (China) emphasized harmony with nature.
- Animism and Shamanism (Africa, Americas, parts of Asia) emphasized spirits in nature.
City-States and Empires Around the World
- Persian Empires used local governors (satraps) and built extensive roads; frequently overextended and fell to conquerors like Alexander the Great.
- In China, the Qin Dynasty unified China using Legalism after the Warring States Period; the Han Dynasty promoted trade and built the Great Wall.
- The Han and Roman Empires were contemporaries, both large and advanced, but Han China was more technologically innovative.
- Phoenicians established sea-based colonies and developed the alphabet.
- Greek city-states pioneered citizenship and democracy (for free males).
- The Roman Empire emphasized engineering and cultural diffusion, splitting into Western and Byzantine/Eastern empires.
- In Mesoamerica, the Maya built monumental temples, advanced writing, and astronomy; Teotihuacan was a massive city with government and infrastructure.
- The Moche civilization in the Andes was led by warrior-priests and resembled other regional societies.
Comparative Summary Before 1200 CE
- Cities were central to ancient empires, serving as centers for art, trade, religion, and governance.
- Societies were hierarchical, with elites above merchants, warriors, craftsmen, laborers, and slaves.
- All ancient empires eventually fell due to overextension, internal disruption, or outside invasion.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Neolithic Revolution — Shift from hunting-gathering to agriculture and settled societies.
- Hierarchy — Social ranking with elites at the top.
- Cuneiform — Early writing system of Mesopotamia.
- Code of Hammurabi — Ancient Mesopotamian legal code.
- Polytheism — Worship of many gods.
- Monotheism — Worship of one god.
- Pastoralists — Nomadic herders who fostered cultural exchange.
- Mandate of Heaven — Chinese belief that heaven grants ruler legitimacy.
- Legalism — Chinese philosophy advocating strict law and order.
- Confucianism — Philosophy emphasizing social roles and harmony.
- Animism — Belief that nature contains spiritual forces.
- Satrap — Provincial governor in Persian Empire.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review major civilizations, religions, and empires before 1200 CE for context in AP World History.
- Prepare to connect these historical foundations to events starting in 1200 CE as per the new curriculum.